A note from Peg Gorman of the Salem Cross Inn included early holiday good wishes as well as some day trip suggestions. Gorman, who's an avid booster of the Quaboag Hills region she calls home, sent word of the annual White Christmas in West Brookfield celebration that takes place on December 2.

Holiday lights, cozy shops and plenty of good cheer, Gorman says, are awaiting visitors who drive out to the communities along the western fringes of Worcester County.

Of course, Gorman also wanted to talk up the winter season menu at the Salem Cross Inn, where she's responsible for promoting the restaurant.

"While is does have new items," she writes of the new bill of fare, "I think folks look to the Salem Cross for the tried and true."

She did make special mention, however, of the vegetarian offerings the Inn now provides, such as a vegan quinoa dish, a saute of that ancient grain served with seasonal veggies. The Salem Cross Inn can be reached at (508) 867-2345.

Poland Culinary Vacations has announced its 2013 schedule of gastronomic safaris, any of which might represent the gift of a lifetime to a passionate foodie.

The vacations focus on the people, the culture, and the food of Poland; discounts are available for those who book early.

Upcoming 2013 fully-escorted tours include "Coastal Cooking in Pomerania and Gdansk," "A Taste of Poland in Mazovia and Warsaw," and "The Flavors of Lower Silesia and Wroclaw."

More details can be found at PolandCulinaryVacations.com; Poland Culinary Vacations answers at (888) 703-8130.

Celebrating its first holiday season since its top-to-bottom renovation, the Lord Jeffrey Inn in Amherst has planned a number of Christmas themed events for the month of December.

Every Sunday a special holiday brunch is planned. These "Brunch with Santa" events, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature the Jolly Old Elf himself, who'll be table-hopping while he takes a break from last minute workshop duties.

On Saturday afternoons the Inn will be serving a Holiday Tea from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the Inn's library. Tea will be poured, accompanied by sandwiches and two-bite pastries.

Strolling carolers will be making an appearance in 30Boltwood, the Inn's restaurant, for an hour each Friday evening in December from 7:30 p.m. on.

The Inn's main lobby is also festively decorated and features a gingerbread holiday display. For more details, contact the Lord Jeffrey Inn at (413) 256-8200.

"Twisted farm food" is the specialty at a new restaurant at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. Scheduled to open in mid-December, Hash House A Go Go will be located inside Casino of the Earth and will feature "twisted" farm food that reworks traditional dishes with bold flavors.

The restaurant's decor is described as one part farm, one part urban; Hash House A Go Go will operate from 7 a.m. to midnight, with around-the-clock service on Fridays and Saturdays.

Sage-fried chicken, a Hash House signature item, also appears in a dinner entree along with waffles and fried leeks. Breakfast is to be available at Hash House all day.

Hash House A Go Go is a concept that originated in San Diego and now has locations in other major cities across the USA. For more information on the pre-opening progress at the Mohegan Sun location visit hashouseagogo.com or follow @hashhouse_mosun on Twitter.

A "Spirited Cuisine" menu is making its debut at Applebee's restaurants; the new menu additions feature spirits, beer, or wine as flavor enhancements.

Recently introduced in a nationwide rollout, the selections include Napa Chicken & Portabellos, a saute of chicken breast accented with Cabernet that's also designed to add to the chain's list of under-550-calorie selections.

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar location can be found throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Route 2A in Greenfield, Memorial Drive in Chicopee, and on East Main Street in Westfield.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College's hospitality and culinary arts program and has over 35 years of restaurant and educational experience. Please send items of interest to Off the Menu at the Republican, P.O. Box 2350, Springfield, MA 01102; Robert can also be reached at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.